Mother raccoon and kits root around in the early morning light on our terrace
We hate it when humans use animals for p.c. agendas. Raccoons are "edge species" that thrive on the borderline between wilderness and human settlement. They are often considered "weed" species, out of place. But no. Each animal is a precious being with a will to live like any one of us. We hold this raccoon family -- mother and three kits, one out of the picture to the right, climbing down the tree -- in awe, always respectful of their wildness to make sure they don't take our beloved cats by the neck and shake them, as happened a coupla years ago with Tiny, out there on her tether. The sign of a sociopath is cruelty to animals. The obverse, a person of good will, reveres animals as fellow travelers in life's journey. Well, at least we do.
I agree, Sissy. However - there are times when the little critters become hazardous, and you just have no choice...
Couple years ago, my factory (which produces stuff for the pharmaceutical industry) became infested with squirrels in the ceiling of the warehouse. One of these critters had a HUGE tumor on his neck, and scared the bejeezus out of us...what the heck was he carrying? We named him "Tumor Squirrel", and he eluded capture for a few months - 'til he died. Pee-ew!
Also had skunks and 'coons haunting my door when I was working nights - you never know who has rabies, or whatever...just take your love of animals with a love of common sense, coupled with the fact that your life - and the life of your family - is more important than the life of the "cute little critter", and act accordingly.
Posted by: rick | July 25, 2004 at 05:49 PM
"... a person of good will, reveres animals as fellow travelers in life's journey" — Amen!
Posted by: Lori Dougherty | July 27, 2004 at 11:33 AM